To which we could add: 5. The introduction of "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" starting in 1978 (combined with the post-Tienanmen crackdown, which appe

To which we could add: 5. The introduction of "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" starting in 1978 (combined with the post-Tienanmen crackdown, which appears to have been largely responsible for cementing the CP's longevity). 6. Putin's appointment as Prime Minister on December 31, 1999 (and the ensuing waves of influence which have not only swept the region... but indeed, with the last election, have significantly impacted politics in the U.S. itself). 7. The Reagan/Thatcher elections in 1979 / 1980 (basically responsible for the rise of neoliberalism as we know it). 8. The Iranian revolution of 1979. 9. The onset of the global HIV epidemic (ultimately leading to far broader recognition of LGBTQ rights, and to loosening of mores with regard to non-reproductive sex in general). We have to stop somewhere, so 1978-1979 seems about as good as anywhere. (Basically, nearly everyone here seems to be "post-Vietnam/Watergate" and "post-deindustrialization"). Other significant changes have had no specific turning point: 1. Major decrease in global poverty. 2. Major decrease in urban crime in the U.S (largely responsible for gentrification and the long-scale housing bubbles we have today), for reasons still not entirely understood. 3. Gradual winding down of armed conflicts in Latin America. 4. And of course, anthropomorphic climate change.